Godzilla and "The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms"

Above, The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms rampages in New York City. Warner Bros. photo.

Godzilla fans, a more sophisticated bunch than average movie fans, are aware that the inspiration for Tomoyuki Tanaka's and Ishirō Honda's Godzilla (1954) had its inspiration by The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms in 1953.

The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms was the first giant monster movie that mixed a monster with the then-new nuclear bomb.

Collider posted an article on the "forgotten" (definitely not by giant monster fans) sci-fi monster movie that came before Godzilla and inspired it.

The article begins with:

When audiences think of kaiju cinema, the image that towers above all else is Godzilla rising from the sea in 1954, a monstrous embodiment of the terrors of nuclear power. Yet one year earlier, American audiences had already seen a giant reptilian beast awaken and wreak havoc on a coastal city. Eugène Lourié’s The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms (1953) was more than a creature feature — it was a prototype, laying down the DNA that Godzilla would refine into legend.

Adapted loosely from Ray Bradbury’s short story The Fog Horn, 20,000 Fathoms gave cinema its first modern giant monster born from atomic power. The titular Rhedosaurus, a stop-motion marvel animated by Ray Harryhausen, stomped through New York City with a destructive force unlike anything audiences had seen on the big screen. By merging Cold War anxieties with prehistoric terror, the film provided the kaiju formula: mankind’s hubris awakens a monster, cities tremble and fall, and survival depends on desperate human ingenuity.

To read the full article, go here. 

Trump Drops Iran Nuclear Deal Bombshell

Wonder how Iran will respond? 

 

🚨 BREAKING NEWS: TRUMP DROPS IRAN DEAL BOMBSHELL ON AIR FORCE ONE! 🤯 Last night, President Donald Trump stunned reporters aboard Air Force One, revealing a bold U.S. proposal for a NUCLEAR deal with Iran is OFFICIALLY on the table! 🤝☮️ pic.twitter.com/cQOmkyvi8e

— Project Constitution (@ProjectConstitu) May 17, 2025

New Mexico City A Top Nuclear War Target

Above, a replica of the Trinity Atomic Bomb at the National Museum
of Nuclear Science & History in Albuquerque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It's a good thing that the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico is 120 miles from where I live. 

Not that I have anything against Albuquerque (except the liberal voters there), mind you, but it is listed as one of the top targets during a nuclear war.

At least that's according to an article posted in the Piñon Post.

They begin it with:

In the midst of global tensions and the specter of nuclear conflict, a recent analysis has pinpointed Albuquerque, New Mexico, as the 11th most vulnerable city in the United States in the event of a nuclear attack. The report, conducted by 24/7 Wall Street using research from experts, sheds light on potential high-priority targets and the associated risks faced by various American cities.

The study, which amalgamates research from Dr. Irwin Redlener and Stephen Schwartz, considered factors such as population density, distance to strategic military facilities, emergency preparedness, and ease of evacuation. The results position Albuquerque among cities where significant casualties and injuries are anticipated in the unfortunate event of a nuclear strike.

To read more, go here. 

61st Anniversary: Cuban Missile Crisis

Above, U-2 spy plane wreckage. The plane, piloted by Maj. Rudolf Anderson Jr., was shot
 down during the crisis. Anderson was the only U.S. casualty. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This month marks 61 years since the Cuban Missile Crisis that lasted 13 days.

I noticed several posts about it in recent days.

From the John F. Kennedy Library website:

CUBAN MISSILE CRISIS

For thirteen days in October 1962 the world waited—seemingly on the brink of nuclear war—and hoped for a peaceful resolution to the Cuban Missile Crisis.

In October 1962, an American U-2 spy plane secretly photographed nuclear missile sites being built by the Soviet Union on the island of Cuba. President Kennedy did not want the Soviet Union and Cuba to know that he had discovered the missiles. He met in secret with his advisors for several days to discuss the problem.

After many long and difficult meetings, Kennedy decided to place a naval blockade, or a ring of ships, around Cuba. The aim of this "quarantine," as he called it, was to prevent the Soviets from bringing in more military supplies. He demanded the removal of the missiles already there and the destruction of the sites. On October 22, President Kennedy spoke to the nation about the crisis in a televised address.

The only American casualty during the Cuban Missile Crisis was Maj. Rudolf Anderson when his U-2 spy plane was shot down over Banes, Cuba.

From Wikipedia:

Rudolf Anderson Jr. (September 15, 1927 – October 27, 1962) was an American Air Force major and pilot. He was the first recipient of the Air Force Cross, the U.S. military's and Air Force's second-highest award and decoration for valor. The only U.S. fatality by enemy fire during the Cuban Missile Crisis, Anderson died when his U-2 reconnaissance aircraft was shot down over Cuba. He had previously served in Korea after the Korean War ended. He is a war hero in American society.

Biden Scaling Back Our Nuclear Capabilities While China Builds Up Theirs

Whoever the heck is in charge of the Biden Administration (along with His Fraudulency himself) had to have come from an insane asylum.

Sen. John Kennedy Tweeted last evening:

China is equipping its nuclear submarines w/ missiles that can reach our homeland, while the Biden admin is canceling our nuclear-tipped sea-launched missile—against the advice of top military officers.

Why are we scaling back our nuclear capabilities while China builds its up?

This is totally mind-boggling! 

Putin Nuking Russian Economy

 

Putin Mobilizes More Troops For Ukraine War, Threatens Nuclear Retaliation

With Ukraine recently kicking Russia's butt in a counteroffensive, Russian President Vladimir Putin is getting desperate.

He is ordering more troops and appears to be threatening nuclear retaliation against the West.

NBC News reported:

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the partial mobilization of his country’s military Wednesday, calling up reservists in a significant escalation of his war in Ukraine after battlefield setbacks left the Kremlin facing growing pressure to act.

In a rare national address, the Russian leader also backed plans for Russia to annex occupied areas of southern and eastern Ukraine, appearing to threaten nuclear retaliation if Kyiv continues its efforts to reclaim that land.

It came just a day after after four Russian-controlled areas announced they would stage votes this week on breaking away from Ukraine and joining Russia, in a plan Kyiv and its Western allies dismissed as a desperate “sham” aimed at deterring a successful counteroffensive by Ukrainian troops.  

Vowing that Russia would use all the means at its disposal to protect what it considers its territory, Putin accused the West of nuclear blackmail and warned: “This is not a bluff.” 

To read more, go here. 

Tulsi Gabbard: Biden Leading Us To Nuclear Armageddon

Former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard posted the following on Twitter about the Russia-Ukraine war.

Let's hope she's not right that this could lead to World War III and nuclear Armageddon. 

She posted:

We're already in a hot war with Russia, and it's going to get a lot hotter because the Biden Admin's stated goal is the complete destruction of Russia's economy & military. Russia has made it clear that if faced with this prospect they’ll have no choice but to use tactical nukes. Once the nuclear Pandora’s Box is open, it'll be impossible to close. The path the Biden Admin has us on will lead to WWIII & nuclear Armageddon. Our country, families & world will suffer beyond comprehension. Obviously this isn't what the American people want.

We want peace & prosperity. But we have to fight for it. It’s not too late. With upcoming elections, the power is in our hands to stop this insanity by supporting those, D or R, who are committed to ending this war with Russia & use our treasure for the American people.

Bring Back The Air Raid Sirens In The U.S.

Above, an air raid siren in the San Fernando Valley in 2017. Photo by Armand Vaquer

My viewing of The Atomic Cafe movie today and an opinion piece got me thinking about air raid sirens.

It isn't known to me if the authors of an opinion piece in the April 1 New York Times was quackery or an April Fool's joke, but it is something to think about.

Russian President Vladimir Putin made (what the authors say) an "implicit threat" of using nuclear weapons over Ukraine when his invasion started. 

Steven Simon and Jonathan Stevenson began with:

The Biden administration has done an admirable job checking Russian disinformation efforts by disclosing U.S. intelligence assessments of Moscow’s intentions and marshaling unified political support for Ukrainian sovereignty and indirect military support for its defense.

But the administration has spoken out when it might have kept silent about Russia’s implicit threat to use nuclear weapons. In President Vladimir Putin’s speech announcing the invasion, he stated that anyone who “tries to stand in our way” will face consequences “such as you have never seen in your entire history.” He ordered his defense minister to put Russia’s nuclear forces on alert. It may have been implicit, but the threat was clear.

Air raid sirens were installed in U.S. cities during World War II and were used during the Cold War. Monthly tests of them (at least in Los Angeles) were made on the last Friday of the month at 10:00 in the morning. The tests ended in 1985. 

Some sirens have been deactivated and some are still in use (for tornadoes, etc.). They vary by state.

In view of Putin's nuclear threat, perhaps it's time to restore and reactivate the sirens in areas where they were deactivated, just in case? 

Don't forget, DUCK AND COVER!

"The Atomic Cafe" Revisited

Above, a replica of the first atomic bomb, unofficially called "The Gadget". Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While waiting for Hibachi One to open (as I got there over an hour before it opened), I relaxed and watched The Atomic Cafe on YouTube to kill time.

Since I visited The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History earlier in the day, it appeared appropriate to revisit the tongue-in-cheek documentary of atomic and hydrogen bombs.

In case one hasn't ever viewed The Atomic Cafe, here it is:

Hawaii Testing Nuclear Attack Sirens

Above, an old air raid siren in Van Nuys, California. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With the latest missile launch tests by North Korea's Kim Jong Un, people in the U.S., particularly those in Hawaii, are getting nervous.

They are getting so nervous about a North Korean nuke being lobbed into the middle of Pearl Harbor or Waikiki Beach, that Hawaiian officials are testing the air raid sirens that were used during the Cold War.

According to the Huffington Post:

HONOLULU — Hawaii officials were checking if sirens intended to alert tourists and residents to a possible nuclear attack from North Korea malfunctioned or were not loud enough Friday after the first test of the warning system since the end of the Cold War was barely heard at one of the state's most popular beaches. 

The sirens largely were drowned out by crashing waves and wind along Waikiki, the famous stretch of beach in the shadow of the Diamond Head volcano. Beachgoers hardly noticed the test, which sounded like a distant siren. The warning would give people 20 minutes to take shelter ahead of an imminent missile strike. 

"I was out in the ocean playing around, and I heard this siren," said tourist Tom Passmore from Calgary, adding that he didn't think much of it. 

"I think it's a good idea," he said of the test, "but judging by everyone's reaction around here, nobody moved." 

Vern Miyagi, administrator of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, said early reports indicate the test went well, but officials could get complaints later. They will document any they receive and investigate if there were any glitches — a process they carry out after every monthly test of a siren for natural disasters.

With Hawaii back to testing their sirens, are Los Angeles and states along the west coast next?

To read more, go here.

North Korean Nuke Test Causes Dollar To Drop In Tokyo

There is some fallout from North Korea's recent nuclear bomb test. 

The Japan Times reported:

The dollar fell to around ¥109.50 in Tokyo trading Monday, amid heightened geopolitical risks following North Korea’s sixth nuclear test the previous day. 

At 5 p.m., the dollar stood at ¥109.47-48, down from ¥110.17-18 at the same time Friday.

To read more, go here. 

Secret Iranian Side Deal: Obama Is A Bleepin' Idiot!

If President Obama really thinks the Iranian nuclear deal is a great benefit to mankind, then he's a f*cking idiot!

A side deal has been revealed by the Associated Press that allows Iran to do their own inspections, with their own personnel and equipment.

According to Fox News:

Capitol Hill opposition to the Iranian nuclear deal was stoked Wednesday by a bombshell report that Tehran will be allowed to use its own experts to inspect one of the country's most controversial nuclear sites.  

"Allowing the Iranians to inspect their own nuclear sites, particularly a notorious military site, is like allowing the inmates to run the jail," Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a presidential candidate, said in a statement.  

The Associated Press reported Wednesday that, in an unusual and secret agreement with the U.N. agency that normally carries out such work, Iran can use its own experts and equipment in the search for evidence for activities that it has consistently denied -- trying to develop nuclear weapons. 

To read more (if you can stomach it), go here. 

Rep. Brad Sherman Opposes Iran Nuke Deal

Above, Rep. Brad Sherman.

Readers of this blog know that I have had numerous disagreements with my area's U.S. Congressman, Brad Sherman. (Note: I did back Sherman two years ago in his election battle with Rep. Howard Berman.)

On occasion, Sherman has shown that he could be independent of his party's policy positions. I will continue to point out those positions where he's right, and those where he's wrong.

This week, Sherman announced that he will oppose the Iran nuclear deal recently negotiated by Secretary of State John Kerry. (See http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/aug/7/brad-sherman-defects-obama-iran-nuke-deal/)

Kudos to Rep. Sherman for opposing this bad deal.

Iran Deal by Mike Ramirez

U.S. Caves In To Iranian Nuclear Demands

Above, the Drudge Report's banner headline and a favorite ad of mine.

The idiocy of the Obama Administration knows no bounds. 

U.S. negotiators for a nuclear deal with Iran have caved in to Iranian demands.

According to the Washington Free Beacon:

LAUSSANE, Switzerland—The Obama administration is giving in to Iranian demands about the scope of its nuclear program as negotiators work to finalize a framework agreement in the coming days, according to sources familiar with the administration’s position in the negotiations. 

U.S. negotiators are said to have given up ground on demands that Iran be forced to disclose the full range of its nuclear activities at the outset of a nuclear deal, a concession experts say would gut the verification the Obama administration has vowed would stand as the crux of a deal with Iran. 

Until recently, the Obama administration had maintained that it would guarantee oversight on Tehran’s program well into the future, and that it would take the necessary steps to ensure that oversight would be effective. The issue has now emerged as a key sticking point in the talks. 

Concern from sources familiar with U.S. concessions in the talks comes amid reports that Iran could be permitted to continue running nuclear centrifuges at an underground site once suspected of housing illicit activities. 

This type of concession would allow Iran to continue work related to its nuclear weapons program, even under the eye of international inspectors. If Iran removes inspectors—as it has in the past—it would be left with a nuclear infrastructure immune from a strike by Western forces.a administration has vowed would stand as the crux of a deal with Iran.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Deploys PAC-3 Interceptors For Tokyo Defense

Above, Tokyo is under protection by Patriot Advanced Capability-3 missiles.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The recent bellicose threats coming out of North Korea has to be taken seriously as they have been engaging in active ballistic missile and nuclear warhead development programs.

Japan is one country that is taking the threats seriously and are doing something about it.

Jiji Press reported:

Tokyo, April 9 (Jiji Press)--Japan's Defense Ministry on Tuesday deployed Patriot Advanced Capability-3 surface-to-air missile systems in a Self-Defense Forces base in Tokyo to protect the national capital against a possible North Korean ballistic missile. 

For the defense of the Tokyo area, the ministry is also deploying PAC-3 systems in such SDF installations as Camp Asaka, partly in Saitama Prefecture, and Camp Narashino in Chiba Prefecture. They are also being deployed in an SDF base in Kakamigahara, Gifu Prefecture, central Japan.

The Japanese Self-Defense Force (SDF) has been ordered to shoot down any oncoming missiles or their debris originating from North Korea should they pose a threat to Japanese territory.

Frankly, North Korea would be committing suicide if they launch a missile attack against the U.S. or any of its allies.

To read more, go here.

Godzilla In "Japan's Cold War"

"Godzilla" copyright 1954, Toho Co., Ltd.

The Wall Street Journal has a review of a new book, Japan's Cold War: Media, Literature and the Law by Ann Sherif (Columbia University Press, 304 pages, $50). In the article (and, I presume, in the book), Godzilla gets a good mention:

Yet, in spite of these shortcomings, Ms. Sherif's volume is successful in other ways, especially when it comes to identifying the main themes that creators explored during this period. One of the most significant of these was the fear of nuclear annihilation.

More than six decades after Hiroshima, it is easy to forget outside of Japan how pervasive this fear was and how deeply it affected cultural productions, even the most popular ones. While "Godzilla" Director Ishiro Honda could have cast his monster as yet another alien landing from outer space or the simple creation of an ambitious scientist gone mad, he did not. Instead, he consciously chose hydrogen-bomb testing, then being conducted by the United States in the South Pacific, as the means to awaken Godzilla from its long period of undersea slumber.

Further anchoring the film within the political debates of the day, the very first scene of the movie, in which a fishing boat is exposed to what appears to be the brilliant flash of a nuclear explosion, was inspired by a real incident which had taken place in March 1954, several months before the release of "Godzilla," when a Japanese trawler, Lucky Dragon No. 5*, had sailed too close to a test site in the Marshall Islands and had been exposed to nuclear fallout. Today, few would be able to connect the film's opening scene with this incident, but back in the mid-1950s, everybody did.

[*See G-FAN #80 for more on the Lucky Dragon.]

To read the full article, go here.

Netanyahu To Obama: Stop Iran's Nuclear Weapons Program Or We'll Attack

Source: The Atlantic

Before he was sworn in as Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu sat down for an interview with Jeffrey Goldberg. In the interview, Netanyahu laid down the gauntlet to Barack Obama:

“The Obama presidency has two great missions: fixing the economy, and preventing Iran from gaining nuclear weapons,” Netanyahu told me. He said the Iranian nuclear challenge represents a “hinge of history” and added that “Western civilization” will have failed if Iran is allowed to develop nuclear weapons.

In unusually blunt language, Netanyahu said of the Iranian leadership, “You don’t want a messianic apocalyptic cult controlling atomic bombs. When the wide-eyed believer gets hold of the reins of power and the weapons of mass death, then the entire world should start worrying, and that is what is happening in Iran.”

Netanyahu stated that if President Obama doesn't stop Iran's nuclear weapons program, Israel will have no choice but to attack.

For the full article, go here.